History Makers founder, Julieanna Richardson, and her team have landed on the Island to interview the famous and not-so-famous for her groundbreaking global African-American oral history project. Interviewees receive a multipage questionnaire pushing them to record their family tree, their work history and their achievements, perhaps like no other time in their lives.

All of this research and documentation work needs business and corporate support. For the past two years, the Black Toyota Car Dealers have sponsored their visit to the Vineyard. Part of the program this year has featured a presentation by Jim Lowry of Chicago, the first African-American partner at McKinsey Consulting. But to many, including myself, Jim is recognized as the father of Minority Business Data Analysis, the first professional to actually document and research the data on the status of minority business in America. His work led to early MBE Supplier Diversity programs by corporations like Ford. The proliferation today of such programs owe a big debt of gratitude to Jim Lowry. Thanks to History Makers, his story is now on the record.

The Francine Kelly Gallery at Featherstone is simply stunning in height, space and light. This week, The Beautiful Difference opened at the gallery featuring the work of 25 artists of different generations who share the African-American heritage. The gallery display of these art items invited many like Elaine Pinderhughes, supporting her nephew John Pinderhughes, Sharon Lopez of New York, Judy Davenport, Eric Coombs, Amy Goldson, Ann Thompson and scores more. The exhibit was curated by Sandra Grymes, known largely on the Island as a real estate professional. Now known to all, she has been on the board of the Studio Museum of Harlem for years and has a talented arts and culture side to her life. This is a must see exhibit!

Rev. Otis Moss 3rd drew the largest crowd ever for a Union Chapel service this past Sunday and he did not disappoint. His “but if “ sermon was a flourish of biblical history, American history and lessons for life.

Part of the Morehouse College weekend, his sermon drew Dr. David Thomas, the new president of the college to the church. President Thomas announced a three billion dollar capital campaign for the college at a session on Friday. The funds will be used to support scholarships for many pursuing an education at the school that educated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his father, Otis Moss, Jr., Dr. Lou Sullivan, Jeh Johnson and so many more.

Rev. Moss 3rd is also a prolific author and has recently signed a two-book deal with Atria Publishing Group’s 37 Ink, managed by East Chop’s Dawn Davis. Early drafts are in the editor’s drop box. President Ron Johnson of Clark Atlanta University presided over a star-studded panel at Union Chapel after church on Sunday featuring Gayle King, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of Atlanta and aspiring political leader Stacy Abrams, who is seeking the governor’s mansion in Georgia.

The Oak Bluffs Boogie Family Funfest is the newest Vineyard standard on the August calendar. Held this past Tuesday and drawing over 1,000 intergenerational participants, this event is a first of its kind because it is little and big-kids friendly. The lawn at Lola’s is the perfect venue.

Thanks to mothers and close friends Lori Hall Armstrong, Michelle Sanchez-Boyce, Erika Liles and Erika Munro Kennelly for organizing and marketing this family-friendly festival.

Gail Blount Jackson is tuning up the brass and string sections of the Island to join the sponsorship and program ads for the Martha’s Vineyard Jazz and Blues Summerfest held on Labor Day weekend.

The Girlfriends Inc. welcomed over 150 of their members from around the nation to their Diamonds and Denim themed luncheon of tall tales, dancing and good old-fashioned sister bonding. Boston Chapter president Kimmie Jackson gave a special greeting to national president Margaret Gaines Clark from Trenton, N.J. Plants and Greek paraphernalia have been sent to the new cottage in East Chop built by Monte Ford and family. The Kappa Kastle will no doubt be a place for many cookouts and gatherings the balance of the summer.

The light rain and winds on Monday provided a perfect backdrop for porch gatherings, easy reading, card playing and breakfast talks that extended into the afternoon. Always remember that the sunshine on the Vineyard comes from the people, not the sky.

Paradise on earth is the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!

Oak Bluffs town news can be sent to rtaylor@mvgazette.com.